Creation of ‘healthy open spaces’ in city pushed

Mayor Benjamin Magalong ratified city ordinance no. 93, series of 2023, promoting the creation, use, and maintenance of healthy open spaces in communities, and other health and environment initiatives in the Summer Capital.

Authored by councilor Betty Lourdes Tabanda, the approved measure, aims to guide the identification, assessment, use, and management of public open spaces to promote sustainability and support the physical and mental health and well-being of Filipinos residing within Baguio city.

It defines public open spaces as land provided by the national or local government units (LGUs), designated as parks, and intended for physical activity, leisure, and recreational use by the public. These may also include private-owned land spaces made publicly accessible.

The ordinance cites Republic Act No. 7160, or the Local Government Code of 1991, as amended, that specifies cultural centers, public parks, playgrounds, sports facilities, streets, avenues, alleys, sidewalks, bridges and other similar facilities as basic facilities and services which LGUs must endeavor to provide for constituents.

It states that Department of Health (DOH)-Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) joint administrative order no. 2021-002, or the National Policy Framework on the Promotion and Recognition of Healthy Communities, includes as qualities of a health-promoting environment the presence of open public spaces and infrastructure that promote active mobility, physical activity and leisure, safe road use, and presence of clean, sustainable natural and built environments. – Gaby B. Keith